Arab State To Host Its First Intellectual Property ForumArab State To Host Its First Intellectual Property Forum

The United Arab Emirates will host its first forum on intellectual property this year.

The UAE announced Wednesday that more than 300 dignitaries, executives, international experts, and organizations are expected to attend the conference. The forum, backed by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), will cover international cooperation, public awareness, electronic commerce, and online property rights violations.

Workshops will focus on piracy and counterfeiting, as well as efforts to prevent theft. Participants will discuss how consumers can fight piracy, as well as how public awareness campaigns can help law enforcement.

Another workshop will cover electronic commerce, electronic theft, and other Internet crimes. A third workshop will focus on licensing and management of trademarks, including related business models and opportunities.

Attendees will also review intellectual property rights laws and policies in Arab countries and discuss potential improvements. That includes monitoring and stopping the flow of counterfeit goods through harbors, airports, and border corssings.

Organizers said that the UAE wants to strengthen alliances will other countries to increase its success in combating piracy and counterfeiting.

"This global event provides an important opportunity to debate and discuss IPR policies and sets a platform to highlight the success stories of companies who were able to build strong markets with their IP-centered businesses," organizer Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi said in a statement. "Moreover, this Forum provides an opportunity for regional and international companies to proactively discuss IPR issues, with emphasis on IP law enforcement and efforts against product imitation. Aside from concession procedures, licensing and trademark management, participants will also talk about electronic crimes and the exploitation of Web site names."